It wasn't just bravado when outside linebacker T.J. Watt maintained the Steelers "love to blitz," or when head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed pressure as part of the "code we live by," following last Sunday's victory over Denver.
It's only a two-game sample size, but so far no NFL team is blitzing as much as the Steelers.
The website pro-football-reference.com lists the Steelers as having rushed at least five 61.7 percent of the time.
That's well ahead of the league's second-most blitz-happy team (Miami, 47.5 percent) and up even more significantly from the Steelers' blitz rate in 2019 (36.9 percent).
The Steelers have been good at it, too. They're second in the NFL in sacks (10) and tied for second in QB knockdowns (10), and first in total blitzes (58), hurries (making the QB throw sooner than desired or vacate the pocket, 20) and pressures (hurries plus knockdowns plus sacks, 40).
Defensive coordinator Keith Butler isn't complaining.
But Butler is also stressing the need for versatility along with a collective ability to blitz.
"You can't do anything all the time in the National Football League defensively, I don't think, because it catches up to you," Butler maintained. "That's not the only thing we do. We do it well and I like the results, but there's also the downside. And some of the downside is you put your corners and your secondary, you put them in trouble a little bit.
"We can't do that all the time in the National Football League. Anything that you do like that and you're successful at it, somebody's going to try to figure out a way to make you unsuccessful."
Ironically, a blitz that was called but not executed made the Steelers temporarily unsuccessful in last Sunday's 26-21 victory over the Broncos.
Denver cut a 17-6 Steelers' lead to 17-14 on a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant and then a two-point conversion to Fant with 1:07 left in the third quarter.
Fant beat inside linebacker Devin Bush to the pylon on the touchdown reception while both nickel cornerback Mike Hilton and strong safety Terrell Edmunds covered running back Royce Freeman on a 3-yard route in the flat.
The Steelers prepare for the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Dustin Colquitt (4) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Chris Wormley (95), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Dustin Colquitt (4) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro (66) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Marcus Allen (27) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jordan Dangerfield (37) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. (24) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. (24) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Marcus Allen (27) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (34) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain (17) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety John Battle (35) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Justin Layne (31) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (92) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Marcus Allen (27) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain (17) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (92) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Wendell Smallwood (29) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Wendell Smallwood (29) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Matt Feiler (71) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Derek Watt (44) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (26) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Edmunds (33) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Cody White (15) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Kevin Rader (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sean Davis (21) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"We screwed it up," Butler acknowledged. "I'm not going to tell you what we did or what we didn't do because I don't want to tell them what we did or didn't do, to be honest with you. We messed it up. We dropped a coverage. We had somebody that was supposed to blitz and they didn't blitz, I'm not going to name him.
"My guys do a good job. They hustle for us, they play hard for us and I'm not going to be critical of them publicly. When we get in our room and make the corrections, I'll do it then. But publicly I don't particularly like to tell who did this and who did that so the blame could go to them.
"There was blame to go to somebody. Right there we just didn't run the blitz. We didn't execute like we should have."
There were no such issues with the Steelers trying to protect a five-point lead and the Broncos facing a fourth-and-2 from the Steelers' 15-yard line with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter.
Edmunds blitzed off the left edge of the defense and got to quarterback Jeff Driskel unblocked and dropped him.
The offense closed out the game from there.
"We want to be aggressive," Butler said. "We want to get after people and all that stuff, but we have got be smart in how we do it."
